FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego, CA — January 21, 2026
Future Champions Golf Secures Annual Exemptions
Champions of the FCG West Coast Open at Pumpkin Ridge and FCG National Tour Spring Break Junior at Twin Oaks Earn Spots into the Memorial Amateur Championship
Future Champions Golf (FCG), the world’s premier junior golf tour, is proud to announce a new competitive opportunity for its elite performers: two annual exemptions into the historic Memorial Amateur Championship. Starting in 2026, the Champions of the FCG West Coast Open at Pumpkin Ridge and the FCG National Tour Spring Break Junior at Twin Oaks will each earn exemption into the Memorial Amateur Championship, one of the nation’s top amateur golf events.
The Memorial Amateur Championship is a top-tier 54-hole amateur golf tournament traditionally contested over Memorial Day weekend at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course in Carmichael, California. Founded in 1998, the event has grown into a marquee competition that brings together some of the finest amateur golfers from across the United States and beyond. The tournament’s rich history, challenging courses, and competitive field have made it a respected stepping stone for players on the rise.
“FCG is proud to offer our competitors pathways into elite amateur golf,” said Chris Smeal, Founder & President of Future Champions Golf. “By securing exemptions into the Memorial Amateur — a well-established and highly regarded event in amateur golf — we’re furthering our mission to develop junior players and connect them with the highest levels of competition.”
The Memorial Amateur Championship has become known not just for its competitive rigor, but also for producing standout players who progress into successful collegiate and professional careers. Played at the historic Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, the event is a true test of golf over 54 holes of scratch stroke play, with a cut after 36 holes and dramatic finishes often decided in playoffs.
Under this new partnership, the FCG West Coast Open at Pumpkin Ridge and the FCG National Tour Spring Break Junior at Twin Oaks champions will receive exemptions, giving them direct entry into the next Memorial Amateur Championship without needing separate qualifying. These exemptions will be awarded annually at the conclusion of the respective FCG events — adding significant competitive incentive and elevating the stakes for junior golfers aspiring to compete in higher amateur ranks.
Key Highlights of the New Exemptions:
• FCG West Coast Open at Pumpkin Ridge Champion: Exempt into the Memorial Amateur Championship
• FCG National Tour Spring Break Junior at Twin Oaks Champion: Exempt into the Memorial Amateur Championship
• Places awarded annually starting in 2026
• A direct competitive bridge from top junior golf into historic amateur competition
“The Memorial Amateur is one of the premier amateur events in the country,” continued Smeal. “Giving our champions direct access to this championship will not only reward excellence in our tour but help position more FCG players for success at the next level.”
Both FCG events — the West Coast Open and the Spring Break Junior — are core stops on the FCG schedule and attract deep, talented fields each year. Combined with the new Memorial Amateur exemptions, they represent unmatched competitive opportunities for junior players seeking to elevate their games and gain exposure in elite amateur golf.
For additional details on the FCG Tour schedule, exemption criteria, and event registration, visit FCG Tour online. To learn more about the Memorial Amateur Championship, including history, past champions, and event specifics, visit memorialamateur.com.